how to determine if lifters are bad (already out of car)

[ECU5.0]

alright, im going to reuse the lifters out of this motor if i can. the motor didnt have any ticking or anything prior to being taken apart. i was cleaning the lifters in parts cleaner to loosen up whatever sludge or whatever was inside of them. there is probably 4 of them that when you shake them they kind of rattle. is this normal because they arent pumped up yet or should i just say screw it and get new ones?

 

[bullitstang1313]

Are you goin to use a new cam or are you reusing the cam that was in there with those lifters? If your goin with a new cam, i'd suggest using new lifters. I'm not sure how to tell if your old lifters are bad though.

 

[fordman54935]

Go ahead and spring for the new ones right away. I didn't, and ended up replacing them later.

 

[ECU5.0]

yeah its gonna be a trickflow stage 1. i wouldnt think the lifters are bad since they only had about 80k miles on them

 

[fordman54935]

I'd say since your going with a new cam to get a new set of lifters. That way they develop a wear pattern together. My lifters only had 55k when they decided to start being noisy - but remember a higher lift cam (especially with stronger valve springs) will really give those lifters a workout. I know I regret not putting a new set in while I had the engine apart, clean and out of the car - just put my new ones in and got it together this weekend. It is a much easier, faster job to do it out of the car Plus, then you'll have some spares laying around.

 

[RIXX93GT]

Hydraulic roller lifters do not exhibit the same "wear pattern" problem like non roller lifters. I would replace them just for the sake of not having to do it again later though.